Amazing!

Near the end of my study time this morning I took a quick look at Mark 11:18 and was amazed at what I saw.  In talking about the Chief Priest’s reactions to Jesus’ teaching Mark writes: “They were afraid of Him because He amazed all the crowds with His teaching.” (God’s Word ©)  The picture of the crowds listening to Jesus with a look of astonishment upon their faces intrigued me and I began to ponder why they were amazed by what He said. 

What quickly came to my mind was that Jesus’ teachings were so different from what the Jewish people had been hearing for years in their Synagogues.  They had been taught about a law that was filled with “Dos and Don’ts or else…”  Then here comes Jesus talking about a new law, a law straight from the Father’s heart.  It consisted of the law of LOVE without fear of retribution.  His teachings brought power and confidence to those who would believe, not doubt, condemnation and a sense of hopelessness!        

His was a message of a personal relationship with God that was unheard of through the teachings of the law.  The concept of God as their Father was also new to them.  Jesus came to demonstrate the Father’s heart and His will for His children.  It was all about bringing the love of God to the people and then through the people to others.  It was about knowing God on an intimate level and allowing Him to be a vital part of their everyday lives.  It took the people’s hope and vision off the occasional flash of the power of God, and brought His love and His ability to them in a daily relationship that oozed from the activities of their lives to everyone that they would come in contact with.

The word translated “amazed” in the God’s Word © Bible literally means “to strike with astonishment” or “to strike out or expel.”  (G1605 Strong’s and Thayer’s)  Jesus’ teachings literally expelled the fear that undermined the people’s efforts to want to serve God!  Instead of fear it gave them faith!  It scared the High Priest’s because it took the people’s eyes off of them and put them back on God – where it belongs!

So… where are your eyes today?  Are looking to man and to the circumstances and solutions that the world presents to you?  Or are you looking unto Jesus “the author and finisher of our faith?”  (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)  He is the one who has the power and ability and the willingness to go far beyond what we can see with our natural eyes! (See: Ephesians 3:19-20)  He is the One who wants to take an ordinary life – YOUR ORDINARY LIFE - and turn it into an extraordinary force for Him.  He is the One who wants to become a vital part of your daily life as you allow His love to lead, guide, direct and fill you.

Have an extraordinary day!  Stay in tune to His Word, and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”